When Discipline is Needed
Sunday July 20, 2008
Although a concerned cat caregiver may find occasions when discipline is necessary for a behavioral problem, more often than not, that behavior is the cat's way of letting its human know that there is a problem with something in the household. Cats are basically pretty well-behaved critters, and rarely "act out" unless there is a problem. For example, a cat will not urinate on your bed because he is "mad" at you, nor scratch the arms of your favorite chair because he is "stubborn." Cats can not communicate with us verbally, so they use the only means available to let us know something is wrong. Effective correction of a true behavioral problem is a three-fold process:
- Determine first, if it is really a behavioral problem
- If not, find and correct the real causes of the undesirable behavior
- In the rare cases of a true behavioral problem, find and use a correct means of discipline or retraining.
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Related Reading:
Cats' Pet Peeves
How to Scruff a Cat
Scratching as Communication
Comments
I’ve had discipline problems with two of my four adopted cats. I treat them the same as my dog when it comes to letting them know who the alpha male is. A very lound and stern “NO!!” with a swat on the nose usually gets the point across and stops the bad behavior. I’m sure some may find this excessive, but it works.
Rizzo, you are wrong. Cats are free spirits and do not take well to humans telling them what to do and modify their behavior using cruel and barbaric methods. What is wrong with you? Jeez!
I wouldn’t swat them on the nose, but some behavior does have to be modified by a firm “No” and/or removing them from a situation, especially if it’s going to hurt them to let them continue doing whatever it is. Mine are comfortable with knowing their limits - I am firm but kind, and consistency is the key (and lots of praise when they are good kitties never hurts, either!).
A firm “no” usually works. But 3 or 4 times I’ve had to squirt Nicky on the back with a squirt-gun (its like rain) to keep him from repeating some behavior. For example, he likes to go in a walk-in closet and I may not see him and close the door. Now if I just take out the squirt gun, he goes running.
True - I’ve had to use a spray bottle from behind for a couple of counter-surfers. I also find, if “no” doesn’t work, I can walk up to them and hiss loudly. They stop whatever they’re doing and just stare at me, then do the “we weren’t doing anything, we’re just passing by on the way to our litter box/food dish/water fountain” act.
My cat Abby does not listen to any correction. She has to be tied up outside to not kill the birds next door. As well there are new cats across the street who come over and they try to fight. I also have Patches, who came after Abby. Abby picks on Patch. When it rains out, and it causes a bad mood, she picks on Patch. I tried everything and nothing works. She loves me to death and I do the best I can. No one can touch her but me.